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Grades 9-12

To obtain your copy, please contact your church’s Mahragan representative

Grades 9 to 12

spiritual and coptic

Hymns

Level 1
Level 2

Hymns Curriculum

Welcome to our Hymns Competition!

Introduction to the Mahragan Hymns Competition

Coptic hymns hold a special place in the heart of our Orthodox Christian church and prayers. These sacred songs have been passed down through generations, preserving the theological richness and spiritual depth of our faith. They are not merely songs but expressions of our communal prayer and devotion, connecting us with Christ and with each other. The core competitions of the Mahragan are designed to reinforce our Coptic identity and foster a deeper connection among our youth.

Which Hymns: Separate hymns for each age group are published online here.  Each hymn includes the following supplemental resources:

  • Brief Introductions: Each section starts with a short introduction to the hymn, explaining its history, liturgical purpose, and key details.
  • Educational Resources: For each hymn, links are provided to:
    • Lyrics: Available in multiple languages.
    • Audio Recordings: Listen to how the hymn is sung.
    • Hazzat Visualizations: Visual guides to the hymn’s melody.
  • Inspirational Imagery: Icons and images are included to connect learners visually with the spiritual themes of each hymn.

Our goal is to build a foundation of knowledge and appreciation for our hymnal traditions among the youth, teaching them the significance and context of each hymn beyond just the melody.

Pre-k – Kindergarten
Grades 1 – 3
Grades 4 – 5
Grades 6 – 8
Grades 9 – 12
Adults

 

Submission Guidelines
  • Hymns Submission: Participants in each age group and church should submit links for recorded videos of chanting each hymn (singing as a group).
  • Submission Deadline: The due submission date of recorded hymns is Sunday, August 18.
  • Languages: Hymns can be recited in any language (Coptic/Greek, English, Arabic) or a mix of languages (for hymns with multiple verses).
  • Video Recording: For each participating age group, a video recording of all participants praying together (as a group), without any external help, should be uploaded to SharePoint (a link will be provided later) no later than Sunday 08/18/2024, 11:59 PM.
    • The video should show all participants in the frame.
    • If the file size of the recording is large, the video may be compressed, or broken to smaller segments to allow submission.
  • Competition Levels:
    • Level 1 and Level 2: For each age group: middle school, high school, and adults. Level 2 consists of relatively harder hymns than Level 1.
    • Churches can choose to participate in Level 1 and/or Level 2 (if qualified).
    • Participants can participate in Level 1 and/or Level 2.
    • Minimum number of participants per team is 4 for Level 1 and 2 for Level 2 competitions.
  • Team Participation: Every church is allowed to participate with only one team for each age group and level.
  • Reading Allowed: Participants are allowed to read the lyrics of the hymns, including charts (Hazzat), while reciting them (i.e., they are not expected to memorize the lyrics).
Evaluation Criteria
  • Singing Together: All participants should sing together (within reason, especially for younger ages).
  • Participation: Ensure that all members of the group are participating. Larger groups can have a few members lip-syncing, but smaller groups should have all members actively participating.
  • External Help: Performances should be unaided by external help, but guidance and support for Angels/ younger elementary kids is permitted.
Not Considered for Evaluation
  • Video Production Quality: The quality of video production will not be considered.
  • Settings: The location of the recording (in front of the altar vs. in a Church basement) will not affect the evaluation.
  • Uniforms: Wearing a uniform or not will not be graded.
  • Language: All languages are graded equally. Different versions of the hymns in various languages will not incur penalties.
  • Number of Participants: As long as the team meets the minimum requirement, the number of participants is not a factor. Different numbers of kids reciting different hymns is acceptable.
Finalists Selection System:

The top 3 churches in each age group will be declared qualified for the final round on September 7 to compete in person.

Thank you for your participation in the Hymns Competition. We look forward to your beautiful hymns!

Servants Books

Bible Study

English questions

Arabic questions

Spiritual Book (chapters 1 & 5)

Spiritual Book in Arabic (chapters 1 & 5)

Apologetics

Presentation slide notes

Introduction

In a thorough exploration of the tensions between Christian faith and modern scientific teachings, Father Gregory addresses how evolutionary theory and cosmology challenge traditional Christian doctrines. This discourse is particularly pertinent in educational contexts where these theories are often presented as antagonistic to religious beliefs. The purpose of this detailed analysis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Father Gregory’s arguments and to equip believers with knowledge to thoughtfully engage with these scientific doctrines.

The Legal and Educational Context

The teaching of evolution as the only scientific explanation for the origin and diversity of life is mandated in U.S. educational systems, which legally excludes creationism. Father Gregory emphasizes that this legal stipulation has elevated evolution from a theory to a quasi-dogmatic belief that must be accepted even when explanations remain scientifically incomplete. This scenario, he argues, undermines the complexity of scientific inquiry by promoting a simplified and sometimes unexamined narrative that excludes other perspectives on the origin of life.

Faith and Science

Exploring the Interface Father Gregory introduces the concept of an “interface” between faith and science, likening it to a connection point that allows for two distinct systems to communicate effectively, much like a USB interface allows for communication between diverse electronic devices. This metaphor highlights the necessity for developing a language and framework where faith and science can coexist without contradiction, enhancing the understanding that both domains can offer profound insights into the nature of existence and the universe.

Challenges Posed by Evolutionary Theory

Evolutionary theory is often taught as the definitive explanation for biological diversity, implicitly excluding divine creation. Father Gregory critiques this approach, noting that it leads to a reductive understanding of biodiversity and human existence. By explaining the nuances of natural selection and mutation, he challenges the sufficiency of evolution to account for the complexity and origin of life, highlighting significant gaps in how evolutionary processes can lead to the emergence of life from non-life.

Cosmology and the Question of Existence

Cosmology, particularly the Big Bang theory, presents similar challenges within educational systems by suggesting that the universe originated from a singular, self-initiating event. Father Gregory argues that this depiction often dismisses or overlooks the philosophical and theological implications of such an origin, thus implicitly endorsing atheism. He calls for a more nuanced discussion that acknowledges the limitations of cosmological theories in explaining the ultimate origin of the universe.

Deeper Dive into the Origin of Life

Father Gregory points out a significant gap in the scientific discourse: the origin of the first living cell. He explains that while Darwin’s theory provides a framework for understanding the diversification of life, it does not explain how life initially began. This omission is critical as it leaves room for theological exploration and discussion about the role of a divine creator in sparking the genesis of life.

The Critical Role of DNA in Defining Life

Delving deeper into molecular biology, Father Gregory discusses the complexity of DNA, which carries the genetic blueprint of life. He argues that the ordered sequence of nucleotides in DNA, which defines the characteristics of an organism, cannot be explained merely by random mutations or natural selection. The precise arrangement of these sequences, he suggests, points to an intelligent design rather than random chance, presenting a challenge to the atheistic interpretations of evolutionary theory.

Scientific and Philosophical Implications

Expanding on the implications of these views, Father Gregory encourages a reevaluation of how science and faith address the questions of life’s origin and purpose. He suggests that acknowledging the limitations of current scientific theories can lead to richer, more inclusive discussions that consider both scientific and theological perspectives in seeking truth.

Conclusions and Implications for Faith

In conclusion, Father Gregory emphasizes the importance of dialogue between the domains of faith and science. He advocates for an educational approach that is open to questioning and critically examining the claims of both evolutionary theory and cosmology. By doing so, believers are encouraged not only to defend their faith but also to enrich their understanding of God’s creation through the lens of scientific inquiry.

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